A field of 43 horse-and-rider pairs toured the first-round course with 19 entries returning to test their luck on the jump-off track set by Peter Grant (CAN). Before riding the jump-off, Leivas Da Costa and his team observed previous competitors and set goals. “We talked before the class and set a time goal of 37 seconds. We actually earned 38 seconds, but still earned first,” Leivas Da Costa explained.

Leivas Da Costa, concerning his mount, stated, “Tosca De L’Esques has a big heart. She is willing, and tries as hard as she can. She never says, ‘no,’ she just says, ‘where do I go next?'” He continued, “She has a really huge stride and is a fast, forward horse. She really fights for us.”

Peter Leone and Ciara Charcamm Z Claim First Place in the $5,000 1.40m Power & Speed Stake CSI 2*

Peter Leone (USA), aboard Ciara Charcamm Z, finished with a time of 34.371 seconds in the $5,000 1.40m Power & Speed Stake CSI 2* on Wednesday for first place to capture the first FEI win of the week. Darragh Kerins (IRL) with Ringwood Zebo, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Califax x Ringwood Audacity), finished with a time of 35.404 seconds for second place. Following closely behind in third place was Marilyn Little (USA), who completed the track in 35.812 seconds with RF Casablanca, a 2010 Holsteiner mare (Cosido x Landos).

Leone and the 2009 Zangersheide mare (Calvaro Z x Prince De Revel) dominated a field of 29 entrants on the course set by Canada’s Peter Grant. “I thought the course designer did a really nice job getting the horses and riders introduced to the arena,” said Leone of the track, “and included some very advanced rollbacks in the speed portion – one to the right and one to the left. The designer also combined it with some galloping that I think made it an excellent course.”

“My nine year-old [Ciara Charcamm Z] was exceptionally good in the speed – she nailed both of the rollbacks and was in really good form. The rollback component suited my horse. She’s a quick type and quick across the ground.” Leone noted that these characteristics gave him the edge aboard “Ciara,” one of three he piloted in the class. “We were able to win for two reasons: firstly, we really nailed our rollbacks, and my horse was quick across the ground.”

This week, Leone is planning to show both Ciara Charcamm Z and Capito Z under the lights in the $70,000 Ingles Grand Prix CSI 2*, saving his third ride, Donner, for the $35,000 1.45m Sunday Classic CSI 2*. “Neither of my horses for Saturday have jumped under the lights,” he revealed. “For sure I’m prepared for the fact that they’ll be a little bit starey and the oxers will ride a little wider, but I hope that my age and experience will help bridge the gap.”

“I really don’t want to overthink it,” Leone elaborated. “They’re both very brave horses. If I had to predict, I think the mare, Ciara, might have a little bit of an edge because she is just that brave, while my other horse, Capito Z, is exceptionally careful in addition to being brave. I’m not sure what reaction he’ll have to the lights, but I’m hoping it’s a good one.”

Tryon Fall 2 continues Friday, October 5, with the $5,000 1.40m Speed Stake highlighting CSI 2* competition at noon ahead of the $70,000 Ingles Grand Prix CSI 2* on Saturday, October 6, at 7:00 p.m. in Tryon Stadium. The Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport continues through Sunday, October 28, featuring four weeks of international and national hunter, jumper, and equitation competition.

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